Portable therapeutic stretching, strengthening, and spinal traction device

ABSTRACT

An exercise device adapted for installation on a door frame or stand includes a pair of clamping members having an elongated body extending between a first end and a second end and an arcuate portion extending from the second end and terminating at a free articulating end. The clamping members are pivotally connected at a first pivot point provided between the first and second ends. A pair of gripping members is disposed on the free articulating end of the arcuate portion of the clamping members. A pair of links is provided where each link is pivotally connected to one of the clamping members at a second pivot point. An elastic member extends between the second pivot of the clamping members. The clamping members are movable between a first position where the gripping members are urged toward one another and a second position where the gripping members are separated from one another.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/580,369, filed Dec. 27, 2011, entitled “Portable Therapeutic Stretching, Strengthening, and Spinal Traction Device”. The entire disclosure of this application is incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a portable therapeutic stretching, strengthening, and spinal fraction device.

2. Description of Related Art

Current vertical gravity traction devices used today for relief of back pain are typically large, heavy and expensive devices that require significant space for use, prohibit mobile use of the device, and are prohibitively priced for many consumers. Additionally, the existing full body vertical gravity traction devices do not integrate a mechanism for articulating anterior, posterior, and lateral movement of the spine in an anatomical upright position with kinetic anterior, posterior, and lateral motion. Furthermore, such devices prohibit a user from controlling the adequate upper to lower back body motions and pressure applied to enhance the relief of back pain.

In view of the shortcomings of the existing traction devices, it is desirable to overcome the above problems and others by providing a vertical gravity fraction device used for stretching, strengthening, and/or relief of back pain. Additionally, there is a need for a portable therapeutic stretching, strengthening, and spinal traction device that is lightweight, portable, is significantly less expensive than the existing devices, and offers the user the ability to laterally articulate and control the adequate upper to lower back body motions with anatomical positioning and kinetic motion and pressure applied to enhance the relief of the user's back pain. Additionally, it is desirable to provide exercise routines, by providing for stretching and strengthening functionality.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing, a need exists for an improved therapeutic stretching, strengthening, and spinal traction device and method for installing and using the therapeutic stretching, strengthening, and spinal traction device. An additional need exists for a therapeutic stretching, strengthening, and spinal traction device that is lightweight, portable, is significantly less expensive than the existing devices, and offers the user the ability to laterally articulate and control the adequate upper to lower back body motions with anatomical positioning and kinetic motion and pressure applied to enhance the relief of the user's back pain. Additionally, it is desirable to provide exercise routines, by providing for stretching and strengthening functionality. As described in detail herein, a portable therapeutic stretching, strengthening, and spinal traction device and method for installing and using the portable therapeutic stretching, strengthening, and spinal traction device are disclosed.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, an exercise device adapted for installation on a door frame or stand may include a pair of clamping members having an elongated body extending between a first end and a second end and an arcuate portion extending from the second end and terminating at a free articulating end. The pair of clamping members may be pivotally connected to each other at a first pivot point provided between the first end and the second end. Additionally, a pair of gripping members may be disposed on the free end of the arcuate portion of the pair of clamping members such that the gripping members face one another and articulate. Furthermore, a pair of links may be provided, where each link is pivotally connected to one of the clamping members at a second pivot point provided between the first pivot point and the first end of the clamping members. An elastic member may extend between the second pivot point of the clamping members. In accordance with one embodiment, the pair of clamping members may be movable between a first position where the gripping members are urged toward one another and a second position where the gripping members are separated from one another. The elastic member may be adapted for providing a restoring force to urge the pair of clamping members to a first position.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the pair of links may be pivotally connected to each other at a third pivot point. The exercise device may further include a articulating hook connected to the pair of links at the third pivot point. In another embodiment, the exercise device may include a stretching or strengthening device attached to the hook by a strap or a chain. The stretching or strengthening device may be a tubular bar. The elongated body of each clamping member may have a flattened portion between the first and second ends. In one embodiment, the exercise device may include a fastener at each of the first and second pivot points. The elastic member may be a spring and the gripping members may have a wall engagement surface.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, an exercise device assembly may be adapted for installation on a door frame or stand. The exercise device assembly may include at least one exercise devices, where each exercise device may include a pair of clamping members having an elongated body extending between a first end and a second end and an arcuate portion extending from the second end and terminating at a free articulating end. The pair of clamping members may be pivotally connected to each other at a first pivot point provided between the first end and the second end. Additionally, a pair of gripping members may be disposed on the free end of the arcuate portion of the pair of clamping members such that the gripping members face one another. The free ends of the arcuate portion of the pair of clamping members may be rotatable with respect to the gripping members to allow for lateral articulation of the exercise device. Furthermore, a pair of links may be provided, where each link is pivotally connected to one of the clamping members at a second pivot point provided between the first pivot point and the first end of the clamping members. An elastic member may extend between the second pivot point of the clamping members. In accordance with one embodiment, the pair of clamping members may be movable between a first position where the gripping members are urged toward one another and a second position where the gripping members are separated from one another. The elastic member may be adapted for providing a restoring force to urge the pair of clamping members to a first position.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the pair of links may be pivotally connected to each other at a third pivot point. The exercise device may further include a hook connected to the pair of links at the third pivot point. In another embodiment, the exercise device may include a stretching or strengthening device attached to the articulating hook by a strap or a chain. The stretching or strengthening device may be a tubular bar. The elongated body of each clamping member may have a flattened portion between the first and second ends. In one embodiment, the exercise device may include a fastener at each of the first and second pivot points. The elastic member may be a spring and the gripping members may have a wall engagement surface and may be made from a resilient polymeric material.

In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, a method of manufacturing an exercise device may include the step of providing a pair of clamping members having an elongated body extending between a first end and a second end and an arcuate portion extending from the second end and terminating at a free articulating end. The method may further include the steps of pivotally connecting the pair of clamping members to each other at a first pivot point provided between the first end and the second end and attaching a pair of gripping members on the free end of the arcuate portion of the pair of clamping members such that the gripping members face one another and articulate. Furthermore, the method may also include the step of pivotally connecting a pair of links to the exercise device where each link is pivotally connected to one of the clamping members at a second pivot point provided between the first pivot point and the first end of the clamping members. Additionally, the method may further include the step of pivotally connecting the links to each other at a third pivot point and attaching an elastic member between the second pivot point of the pair of clamping members. The pair of clamping members may be movable between a first position where the gripping members are urged toward one another and a second position where the gripping members are separated from one another. The elastic member may be adapted for providing a restoring force to urge the pair of clamping members to a first position. The method may further include the step of connecting a hook to the pair of links at the third pivot point. The method may further include the step of connecting a stretching or strengthening device to the hook.

These and other features and characteristics of the portable therapeutic stretching, strengthening, and spinal traction device, as well as the methods of operation and functions of the related elements of structures and the combination of parts and economies of manufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of the following description and the appended claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this specification, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts in the various figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only, and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention. As used in the specification and the claims, the singular form of “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a portable therapeutic stretching, strengthening, and spinal traction device assembly in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 shows a portable therapeutic stretching, strengthening, and spinal traction device assembly of FIG. 1 in an installed configuration;

FIG. 3 is a top view of the portable therapeutic stretching, strengthening, and spinal traction device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of one component of the portable therapeutic stretching, strengthening, and spinal traction device shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a top view of the component shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a side view of the component shown in FIG. 4; and

FIG. 7 shows the portable therapeutic stretching, strengthening, and spinal traction device assembly during use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

For purposes of the description hereinafter, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “right”, “left”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, “top”, “bottom”, “lateral”, “longitudinal”, and derivatives thereof, shall relate to the invention as it is oriented in the drawing figures. However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume alternative variations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the invention. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting.

Referring to the drawings in which like reference characters refer to like parts throughout the several views thereof, various embodiments and features of a portable therapeutic stretching, strengthening, and spinal traction device 10 and method for installing and using portable therapeutic stretching, strengthening, and spinal traction device 10 will be described and are desirable for improving upon the deficiencies of the prior art devices. Hereafter, a single portable therapeutic stretching, strengthening, and spinal traction device 10 may be referred to as “device” or “exercise device”, and a plurality of portable therapeutic stretching, strengthening, and spinal traction devices 10 may be referred to as “device assembly” or “exercise device assembly”.

With reference to FIG. 1, an exercise device assembly 20 is shown as having two exercise devices 10. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the exercise device assembly 20 may include one or more exercise devices 10. Each individual exercise device 10 is adapted for placement on a doorway such that the exercise device assembly 20 may support a person standing under the doorway. Desirably, each exercise device 10 is adapted for supporting a certain maximum weight corresponding to a maximum weight of a user, such as, for example, 300 pounds. It is to be understood that alternative construction and materials may increase the weight capacity of the exercise device 10.

With continuing reference to FIG. 1, each exercise device 10 includes a hook 30 for supporting a stretching or strengthening device 40. The hook 30 is adapted for articulating at the attachment point to allow forward and aft articulation with regard to the exercise device 10. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the stretching or strengthening device 40 is a tubular bar 50 that is connected at each end to the exercise device 10 by a chain 60. In some embodiments, the chain 60 may be replaced with a strap, such as a conventional nylon strap utilized in exercise equipment. The stretching or strengthening device 40 may be connected directly to the hook 30 on each exercise device 20 or it may be suspended there from by a chain 60 or a strap. While a tubular bar 50 is illustrated as an exemplary embodiment of the stretching or strengthening device 40, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that various other components, configurations, and uses thereof are also contemplated. For example, an ankle cuff and long connecting strap may he used with one exercise device for lower and upper extremity stretching exercises; a bar and long connecting straps and chains may be used with two exercise devices for abdominal and lower back strengthening exercises and chest pushups; and an ankle sling may used to exercise the obliques, lower extremities, and may be used for general back strengthening. In an embodiment where the stretching or strengthening device 40 is used for spinal traction to decompress the user's spine, the exercise device assembly 10 provides the ability for the user to control a proper amount of pressure applied to the spine based upon that user's threshold of pain that he or she can tolerate.

Exercise device assembly 20 has two configurations. With reference to FIG. 1, the exercise device assembly 10 is shown in an uninstalled configuration where each exercise device 10 is removed from a doorway 70 (not shown in FIG. 1). Referring to FIG. 2, the exercise device assembly 10 is shown in an installed configuration where each exercise device 10 is secured to the doorway 70 as will be explained hereafter.

Referring to FIG. 3, exercise device 20 includes a pair of clamping members 80 pivotally connected to each other in a scissor configuration. Each clamping member 80 has an elongated body extending between a first end 90 and a second end 100. An arcuate portion 110 extends from the second end 100 and terminates at a free end 120. The pair of clamping members 80 are pivotally connected to each other at a first pivot point 130 provided between the first end 90 and the second end 100. A pair of gripping members 140 is disposed on the free end 120 of the arcuate portion 110 such that the gripping members 140 face one another. Each free end 120 is rotatably positioned within the gripping member 140 to allow lateral articulation of the exercise device 10. Furthermore, a pair of links 150 is provided, where each link 150 is pivotally connected to one of the clamping members 80 at a second pivot point 160 provided between the first pivot point 130 and the first end 90 of the clamping members 80. An elastic member 170 extends between the second pivot point 160 of each clamping member 80. The elastic member 170 may be a spring. In accordance with one embodiment, the pair of clamping members 80 is movable between a first position (FIG. 1, 3) where the gripping members 140 are urged toward one another and a second position (FIG. 2) where the gripping members 140 are separated from one another. The elastic member 170 is adapted for providing a restoring force to urge the pair of clamping members 80 to a first position. The pair of links 150 is pivotally connected to each other at a third pivot point 180. The exercise device 20 further includes the hook 30 connected to the pair of links 150 at the third pivot point 180. The pair of clamping members 80 is pivotally connected at the first pivot point 130.

With reference to FIGS. 4-6, construction of clamping member 80 will be described in greater detail. As noted above, the clamping member 80 has an elongated body extending between a first end 90 and a second end 100. An arcuate portion 110 extends from the second end 100 and terminates at a free end 120 allowing for articulation. The first pivot point 130 is provided between the first end 90 and the second end 100 for pivotally connecting the clamping member 80 to another clamping member 80 (not shown in FIGS. 4-7) to form the exercise device 20. In one embodiment, the first pivot point 130 may be a hole extending through the body of the clamping member 80.

In FIGS. 4-6, elongated body of the clamping member 80 is shown as having a substantially tubular construction with a substantially uniform sidewall 190. In one embodiment, the elongated body of the clamping member 80 may be construed from a round metal tube. A central portion of the elongated body between the first end 90 and the second end 100 may have a flattened portion 200 to facilitate connection with a second clamping member 80. The flattened portion 200 is provided to align a central axis 210 of one clamping member 80 with the central axis of the adjoining clamping member 80.

With continuing reference to FIGS. 4-6, the arcuate portion 110 has a radius R and extends in a U-shaped arc away from the second end 100. The arcuate portion 110 may extend through an angle a respective to the second end 100. Free end 120 may be angled with respect to the second end 100 such that, in an installed configuration, free end 120 is oriented substantially parallel to a wall surface (as shown in FIG. 2). The gripping member 140 is attached at the free end 120 of the arcuate portion 110 in order to provide a gripping surface for exercise device 20 to grip the wall in an installed configuration and allow articulation, as will be described hereafter. The gripping member 140 has an opening that corresponds to an outer diameter of the free end 120 of the arcuate member 110 such that the gripping member 140 is secured on the free end 120 and allows articulation. The gripping member 140 further has a wall engagement surface 220 as shown in FIG. 3 that facilitates attachment of exercise device 20 above a doorway 70. The wall engagement surface 220 spreads the normal force imposed on a wall surface in order to prevent damage to the wall.

With reference to FIG. 7, the exercise device 20 is adapted to be positioned against a wall above the doorway 70. In order to install the exercise device 20 on the doorway 70, a user spreads apart first ends 90 of clamping members 80. Such movement causes the gripping members to be separated in order for them to be positioned over a door frame and against a wall surface above the doorway 70. Relative separation of first ends 90 of the clamping members 80 causes the elastic member 170 to be placed in tension, which provides a restoring force that urges the first ends 90 toward one another. This also urges the gripping members 140 to move toward each other. When the exercise device 10 is positioned at a desired location above the doorway 70, the user releases the first ends 90 such that gripping portions 140 are urged toward each other. The arcuate portion 110 is preferably designed to project a normal force against the wall when the exercise device 20 is in the installed configuration. Such design of the arcuate portion 110 assures that only a perpendicular force is transferred to the wall to essentially “squeeze” the wall between the opposing gripping members 140. By placing a vertical load in a downward direction on the hook 30, links 150 cause first ends 90 of clamping members 80 to be urged closer together, thereby increasing the force that the gripping members 140 exert on the wall in order to prevent the exercise device 20 from sliding from the wall surface. In one embodiment, the angle between the clamping members 80 in an installed configuration at the first pivot point 130 is substantially a right angle.

The exercise device 10 and the exercise device assembly 20 allow the user to perform a plurality of different stretching, strengthening, and spinal traction exercises. For example, the user may firmly grip the bar and suspend the torso in a vertical position, bending the knees at a 90° angle. The user can then begin to apply pressure from the feet to move the body forward and backward in a controlled rocking motion that will provide the user with anterior and posterior movement necessary to stretch his or her back. The user may also perform a lateral stretch. For example, to stretch the right side of the body, the user would apply pressure from their right foot and twist their body to the left, crossing their right knee toward the floor as they cross to the left side of their body. To stretch the left side of the body, the same steps would be employed, but in reverse. Various other exercises are possible to help the user achieve the desired degree of stretching, strengthening, and spinal traction.

Having described the exercise device assembly 10 and exercise device 20, a method of manufacturing the exercise device 10 will now be described. The method includes the step of providing a pair of clamping members 80 having an elongated body extending between the first end 90 and the second end 100 and the arcuate portion 110 extending from the second end 100 and terminating at the free articulating end 120. The method further includes the steps of pivotally connecting the pair of clamping members 80 to each other at the first pivot point 130 provided between the first end 90 and the second end 100 and attaching the pair of gripping members 140 on the free end 120 of the arcuate portion 110 of the pair of clamping members 80 such that the gripping members 140 face one another. Furthermore, the method also includes the step of pivotally connecting the pair of links 150 to the exercise device 20 where each link 150 is pivotally connected to one of the clamping members 80 at the second pivot point 160 provided between the first pivot point 130 and the first end 90 of the clamping members 80. Additionally, the method further includes the step of pivotally connecting the links 150 to each other at a third pivot point 180 and attaching an elastic member 170 between the second pivot point 160 of the pair of clamping members 80. The pair of clamping members 80 is movable between a first position where the gripping members 140 are urged toward one another and a second position where the gripping members 140 are separated from one another. The elastic member 170 is adapted for providing a restoring force to urge the pair of clamping members 80 to a first position. The method further includes the step of connecting a hook 30 to the pair of links 150 at the third pivot point 180. The method further includes the step of connecting a stretching or strengthening device 40 to the hook 30.

While various embodiments of the portable therapeutic stretching, strengthening, and spinal traction device assembly in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention were provided in the foregoing description, those skilled in the art may make modifications and alterations to these embodiments without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. For example, it is to be understood that, to the extent possible, one or more features of any embodiment can be combined with one or more features of any other embodiment. Accordingly, the foregoing description is intended to be illustrative rather than restrictive. The invention described hereinabove is defined by the appended claims and all changes to the invention that fall within the meaning and the range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope. 

The invention claimed is:
 1. An exercise device adapted for installation on a door frame or stand, the exercise device comprising: a pair of clamping members having an elongated body extending between a first end and a second end and an arcuate portion extending from the second end and terminating at a free end, the pair of clamping members pivotally connected to each other at a first pivot point provided between the first end and the second end; a pair of gripping members disposed on the free end of the arcuate portion of the pair of clamping members such that the gripping members face one another; a pair of links where each link is pivotally connected to one of the clamping members at a second pivot point provided between the first pivot point and the first end of the clamping members; and an elastic member extending between the second pivot point of the clamping members; wherein the pair of clamping members is movable between a first position where the gripping members are urged toward one another and a second position where the gripping members are separated from one another, and wherein the elastic member is adapted for providing a restoring force to urge the pair of clamping members to a first position.
 2. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the pair of links is pivotally connected to each other at a third pivot point.
 3. The exercise device of claim 2, further comprising a hook connected to the pair of links at the third pivot point.
 4. The exercise device of claim 3, further comprising a stretching or strengthening device attached to the hook by a strap or a chain.
 5. The exercise device of claim 4, wherein the stretching or strengthening device is a tubular bar.
 6. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the elongated body of each clamping member has a flattened portion between the first and second ends.
 7. The exercise device of claim 1, further comprising a fastener at each of the first and second pivot points.
 8. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the elastic member is a spring.
 9. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the gripping members have a wall engagement surface and wherein the free ends of the arcuate portion of the pair of clamping members are rotatable with respect to the gripping members to allow for lateral articulation of the exercise device.
 10. An exercise device assembly adapted for installation on a door frame or stand, the exercise device assembly comprising: at least one exercise devices, each exercise device comprising: a pair of clamping members having an elongated body extending between a first end and a second end and an arcuate portion extending from the second end and terminating at a free end, the pair of clamping members pivotally connected to each other at a first pivot point provided between the first end and the second end; a pair of gripping members disposed on the free end of the arcuate portion of the pair of clamping members such that the gripping members face one another; a pair of links where each link is pivotally connected to one of the clamping members at a second pivot point provided between the first pivot point and the first end of the clamping members, and where the pair of links is pivotally connected to each other at a third pivot point; and an elastic member extending between the second pivot point of the clamping members; wherein the pair of clamping members is movable between a first position where the gripping members are urged toward one another and a second position where the gripping members are separated from one another, and wherein the elastic member is adapted for providing a restoring force to urge the pair of clamping members to a first position; a hook connected to the pair of links at the third pivot point of each exercise device; and a stretching or strengthening device attached to the hook of each exercise device.
 11. The exercise device assembly of claim 10, wherein the stretching or strengthening device is attached to the hook of each exercise device by a strap, a chain, or a connecting material.
 12. The exercise device assembly of claim 10, wherein the stretching or strengthening device is a tubular bar.
 13. The exercise device assembly of claim 10, wherein the elongated body of each clamping member has a flattened portion between the first and second ends.
 14. The exercise device assembly of claim 10, further comprising a fastener at each of the first and second pivot points.
 15. The exercise device assembly of claim 10, wherein the elastic member is a spring.
 16. The exercise device assembly of claim 10, wherein the gripping members have a wall engagement surface wherein the free ends of the arcuate portion of the pair of clamping members are rotatable with respect to the gripping members to allow for lateral articulation of the exercise device assembly.
 17. The exercise device assembly of claim 10, wherein the gripping members are made from a resilient polymeric material.
 18. A method of manufacturing an exercise device, the method comprising the steps of: providing a pair of clamping members having an elongated body extending between a first end and a second end and an arcuate portion extending from the second end and terminating at a free end; pivotally connecting the pair of clamping members to each other at a first pivot point provided between the first end and the second end; attaching a pair of gripping members on the free end of the arcuate portion of the pair of clamping members such that the gripping members face one another; pivotally connecting a pair of links to the exercise device where each link is pivotally connected to one of the clamping members at a second pivot point provided between the first pivot point and the first end of the clamping members; pivotally connecting the links to each other at a third pivot point; and attaching an elastic member between the second pivot point of the pair of clamping members, wherein the pair of clamping members is movable between a first position where the gripping members are urged toward one another and a second position where the gripping members are separated from one another, and wherein the elastic member is adapted for providing a restoring force to urge the pair of clamping members to a first position.
 19. The method of claim 18, further comprising the step of connecting a hook to the pair of links at the third pivot point.
 20. The method of claim 18, further comprising the step of connecting a stretching or strengthening device to the hook. 